Gold-fingered chef to crack pizza record

A CHEF has created what could be the world's most expensive
pizza to raise funds for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The pizza is sprinkled with gold and topped with
champagne-soaked caviar and lobster marinated in the finest
cognac.

Creator Domenico Crolla said it was worth more than $3700.

The award-winning restaurateur from Glasgow hopes to make at
least that figure in an auction to raise funds for the
Australian-based Fred Hollows Foundation this week.

The 30.5-cm pizza features an organic base spread with a
sunblush tomato sauce. Other toppings include Scottish smoked
salmon and medallions of venison.

The creation is finished off with edible 24-carat gold
shavings.

It has been named the Pizza Royale 007 after the expensive
tastes of suave agent James Bond, currently being played by actor
Daniel Craig.

"If any pizza was made to suit 007, this is it," said Mr
Crolla.

"Everyone loves a pizza as a treat, and this should be a real
luxury experience."

The pizza was created to raise funds for the Fred Hollows
Foundation, which works to prevent curable blindness in developing
countries.

Organised by the British Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food
Association, it is hoped an auction on internet website eBay will
make at least $4970, smashing the record for the world's most
expensive pizza. The title is held by a white truffle, mushroom and
fontina cheese pizza served to customers of Gordon Ramsay's Maze
restaurant in London.

Bidders have until November 19 to lodge their interest on
eBay.

Mr Crolla will create the luxury pizza at the winner's home or
prepare it for them at one of his restaurants.